CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Remove some girls who had responsibility (9)

6 Thanks to me, dog ends up quite domesticated (5)

9 Breaks up on Monday, and gets on board right away (7)

10 Gathers together a large number on easy street, initially (7)

11 Greek character led artist to long work of art on the wall (5)

12 Settles an old score in kind, pound for pound (9)

13 After a Bible class, a writer may bear fruit (5) 14 Manage to retain tin to give to a travelling salesman (9)

17 Comes between spaces on some screens (9)

19 It’s terrific to be more senior than 21 across (5)

21 May have to examine an alternative as a senior officer (9)

24 Move along slowly, at first, but aims to score (5)

26 Was quite firm that the first man took on a worker (7)

27 A close friend had a little time to follow suit (7)

28 Stand up tall before the court, in short (5) 29 Although always a bit gullible, was never failing (9)

DOWN

1 Imagine having the vision to build castles in the air (5)

2 Had to be serious at college, but may get better after a pub crawl (5,2)

3 Did one not prepared to compromise always take a firm approach? (9) 4 Others had to exercise with moderation (9) 5 In the past, one had to perform at some stage, to be accurate (5)

6 Try to gain information to make a catch, in the main (5)

7 Old lady’s vehicle needed a form of cosmetic work (7)

8 Some girls are transferred, with little hesitation, to an objector (9)

13 Cuts up irate characters who drop out (9) 15 Is taking part in a training day, when in work (2,7)

16 It’s not difficult to be making headway when happy-go-lucky (9)

18 Spend a long time in transit (7)

20 Is in position, for a little time, to act as conciliator (7)

22 In office, when actors are needed to legislate (5)

23 At one time, returned article to pay tribute to the church (5)

25 Small seabird perched at the back of the boat (5)